Burned Teen Gives Investigators His Account Of Incident

Miami — The Deerfield Beach teenager who survived a fiery assault more than a month ago has finally provided detectives with his account of the attack, the Broward Sheriff's Office said Monday.

Michael Brewer, 15, spoke to investigators Monday in his room at the Jackson Memorial Hospital Burn Center in Miami, where he's been treated since the Oct. 12 attack.

"He gave a complete statement that should prove very helpful," said Broward Sheriff's spokesman Jim Leljedal.

Leljedal would not disclose what Brewer said.

Brewer suffered second- and third-degree burns over two-thirds of his body after one teenager poured rubbing alcohol on him and another lit him on fire at an apartment complex a few blocks from his home in Deerfield Beach, according to investigators. Three former schoolmates have been charged as adults with attempted murder and each face a maximum of 30 years in prison if convicted.

Brewer continues to show signs of progress that have cheered his family and inspired a growing group of admirers that is following news of his recovery on the social networking site Facebook. Last week he was moved to his own room from the hospital's intensive care unit, though doctors were hesitant to describe that move in overly optimistic terms.

His great-aunt, Patti Gendron, said Monday she was thrilled last week when she answered her phone and heard Brewer's hoarse voice on the other end.

"'Hi, Aunt Patti,'" she recalled his words. "It was a little raspy, but I could tell it was him," she said.

A fundraiser held Saturday at Galuppi's restaurant in Pompano Beach netted more than $50,000 for Brewer's care. Several members of the Miami Dolphins were among those pitching in at the event. Brewer's parents, Michael Sr. and Valerie, were there to offer thanks for the outpouring of support for their son.

As much progress as he's made, Brewer was still in no condition to leave the hospital or attend the fundraiser, Gendron said. "He so wanted to go on Saturday. I think he's getting a bit more aware of how many people are pulling for him."

Denver Jarvis and Matthew Bent, both 15, and Jesus Mendez, 16, have all pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charges and are expected back in court in January. Two other teenagers accused of being part of the group that surrounded Brewer were not charged, though prosecutors have the option of revisiting that decision.

Rafael Olmeda may be reached at rolmeda@SunSentinel.com or 954-356-4694.